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UT training camp kicks off tonight

In the 2014 football season, Tennessee will play seven games at home and five on the road.

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

August 31

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Utah State

Tennessee will kickoff its season in Neyland Stadium against Utah State on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.

September 6

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Arkansas State

The Volunteers will play Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 6 at noon. The game will air on the SEC Network.

September 13

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Oklahoma

For the first time in the 2014 season, Tennessee will hit the road, traveling to Norman, Okla. to take on Sooners. Kickoff for Saturday, Sept 13 hasn't been determined.

Septempber 27

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Georgia

The Volunteers will go head-to-head against one of their biggest rivals on Saturday, Sept. 27. The team will travel to Athens, Ga. and hit the field against the Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

October 4

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Florida

The Gators will travel from the Swamp to Neyland Stadium to take on the Volunteers. Kickoff time for Saturday, Oct. 4 hasn't been determined.

October 11

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Chattanooga

The fourth home game for Tennessee will be against Chattanooga on Saturday, Oct. 11. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

October 18

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Ole Miss

UT will travel to Oxford, Miss. to play Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 18. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

October 25

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Alabama

Without a doubt, the Alabama game is one UT fans don't want to miss. This year, the Volunteers will play the Crimson Tide in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

November 1

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

South Carolina

On Saturday, Nov. 1, Tennessee will take on one of its biggest foes to date - Steve Spurrier. The Vols will travel to Columbia S.C. to duke it out with the former Gators' coach and the Gamecocks. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

November 15

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Kentucky

The Volunteers will play the Wildcats on their home turf on Saturday, Nov. 15. Kickoff time in Neyland Stadium hasn't been determined.

November 22

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Missouri

The Missouri Tigers will travel to Knoxville to play the Volunteers in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22. Kickoff time hasn't been determined.

November 29

Rachel Stowers Kinney, WBIR

Vanderbilt

To close the season, Tennessee will travel to Nashville to duke it out with Vanderbilt. Kickoff time for Saturday, Nov. 29 hasn't been determined.

Training camp kicks off Friday, exactly 30 days from the first football game for the Volunteers.

Tennessee coach Butch Jones said his players face a lot of challenges this season, but compared to last year, they're more prepared. At a press conference Thursday, Jones said one of his main priorities is to inspire his players to "earn the right to win."

"The key in being the best team we can possibly be is managing the natural adversities of a long football season," he said. "It's striving to be the best football team we can possibly be. That's our only goal."

Ceiling to floor pictures of former Vols fill the locker room. Ramon Foster played offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers before he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo: Rachel Kinney, WBIR)

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The Vols will officially begin their 2014 training camp with a nighttime practice on Friday.

This year, the Vols will try to build off of last year's 5-7 finish. Jones admitted Thursday that his team isn't where it needs to be, but many players have improved significantly. Right now, the Vols have 11 people who can squat more than 600 pounds, a feat no player could accomplish this time last year.

"I sat here last year quietly concerned about our strength levels," said Jones. "We're still not where we need to be, but our bodies have changed."

Jones has yet to name a starting quarterback. With the recent departure of Riley Ferguson, it appears to be a two-man race between Justin Worley and Josh Dobbs. Nathan Peterman will also get a shot to compete for the starting spot by the time the Vols take the field on Sunday, Aug. 31 against Utah State in Neyland Stadium.

"It doesn't matter when we name one - all three will be ready," he said. "As we saw last year, all three will have to be."

Fans won't have to wait until the first game to see the Vols in action. UT will have an open practice on Saturday, Aug. 16. Gates will open at 6 p.m. ahead of the practice at 7 p.m. Parking will be free.

Jones said he hopes Tennessee fans will continue to rally behind his players in Neyland Stadium as they develop into a powerful team. He said fans are already investing in the Volunteers, which makes him work so much harder.

"People can feel the positive energy that surrounds Tennessee football. And we're going to need them," said Jones. "We love together. We died together. We do everything together. That's Vol Nation."

"Our patience will be tried. Our fan base - we get to raise this football team and watch them mature week in and week out," said Jones.